The day began early because the Supershuttle was scheduled to arrive at 6:18 a.m. even though my flight wasn't until 10:23. He showed up at 6:35 which was perfect because I was running behind due to the fact that I had a prolonged goodbye with my pups, Sasha and Mamba. This is always hard for me because they, unlike humans, do not know where I'm going, nor when I am going to return. Yet, they must have known something was up because they barked at the shuttle driver until we pulled away. After two U-turns, I realized that the driver needed to invest in Siri because he did not know where he was going. Then, Corey calls. "Jan (our neighbor) called and said your suitcase is in the middle of the street." Apparently, the shuttle driver took it from me and placed it behind the shuttle but never actually lifted it into the trunk. Another U-turn. We retrieved the abandoned luggage and I was thankful for Jan's ever persistent vigilance!

On Broadway, he ran the stop sign and almost hit a school bus, but once we were on the freeway, his driving skills improved. I arrived safely at the airport with plenty of time to read/grade my students reading reflections from the previous night. The flight from San Diego to San Francisco was smooth, and I'm now waiting for my connecting flight to Germany, then from Germany to Poland where I will hit the ground running. The next flight is over 11 hours and I am starting to wish I had diversified the music on my iphone. It currently contains every Beyonce album ever made and one Destiny's child album. And, I'm not sure if this will place me in the appropriate mindset for this trip, but then again, has Beyonce ever let me down?

I am nervous about leaving my students (though I know they are capable of doing well in my absence), I am anxious about my responsibilities in Poland (though I know I am capable of doing well in my students absence), but most of all, I am grateful for this incredible opportunity. Until I am able to write again...

Make Smart Choices,
Michelle Sadrena Clark

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Shea Saulino

1/21/2015 08:02:28

I'm sorry for the bad Supershuttle driver- and also that sucks that he left your stuff! But you have it now and that's awesome. Now go have fun on that plane! Granted you cannot "turn up" because you will have to be in a confined space with these wonderfully awful sleepers (fingers crossed your not near a snore-er). But you can "turn up" in your head! With your Beyonce albums and confined leg space I am sure you'll figure something out.

Wishing you a safe flight!
Shea

PS maybe entertain yourself by making up new dance moves inspired from the in-flight safety cartoons :)

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Shea Saulino

1/21/2015 08:04:16

Excuse my grammar mistake, I meant to say hopefully you're not near a snorer, NOT your not near a snorer.

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Eli Murguia

1/21/2015 08:34:07

Dang what a terrible driver! He must have been too old or too young or something to be that forgetful and disoriented! At least you have a nice neighbor to have your back.
I hope your second flight is as smooth as the first!
Eli

P.s. Haha you can never go wrong with Beyonce ;D

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Rena

1/21/2015 09:31:02

Well, I would be lying if I were to say that I have not been in a car with a disoriented driver also and countless times I have left a bag or something behind when going for a trip (it's usually just some useless stuff though). I'm glad to hear that you find strength in us just as we do you. Have fun with your Beyonce music on the flights :)

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Mikayla

1/21/2015 09:39:46

Do you think people in Poland listen to Beyonce? Opportunity...

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Dylan L

1/21/2015 10:04:32

Sounds like quite the experience so far! I hope you enjoy your trip and learn/experience as much as we did in Costa Rica 2 years ago!

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Michele

1/21/2015 11:12:17

School isn't the same without you!!! I miss the charisma and personality that you bring to class. Its going to be a long week...but I can't wait to hear more, its so exciting that my teacher gets this fabulous opportunity!

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Piper Tompkins

1/21/2015 12:18:00

Just reading about that awful driver made me nervous!!! I can't believe how unprofessional he was, and how nerve racking that must have been on the way to the air port! Young and responsible misses you and your awesomeness. Im so happy (and a little jealous) your having this amazing opportunity. Love you to Beyonce and back! Have fun!

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Benjamin Rose

1/21/2015 13:22:22

Have a good flight!

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Hesham Hamed

1/21/2015 13:26:07

That is a crazy driver! I'm glad you made it to the airport safely. These kinds of trips are a once and a lifetime opportunity,I hope you have an amazing trip!